State Minister Ishraq Hossain to announce resignation at 2pm amid criticism over armed anti-drug drive
State Minister for Liberation War Affairs Ishraq Hossain, who came under intense criticism after taking part in a controversial anti-drug operation holding a weapon, is set to formally announce that he is stepping down from his post.
He conveyed this final decision to resign in a statement posted on the social media platform Facebook on Monday afternoon. Following the announcement, the matter immediately moved to the centre of the country's political discussion.
In the post on his own Facebook account on Monday, he stated that today at 2pm he will appear at the National Press Club to give the final announcement of his resignation from the responsibility of State Minister for Liberation War Affairs.
He also said in the post that after the announcement he will take part in a face-to-face conversation with journalists. As a result, the 2pm programme has generated wide interest in the media and political circles.
His participation in the anti-drug operation holding a weapon was the origin of this controversy. His role in that operation had drawn intense criticism on social media and in various quarters. It was amid that criticism that the announcement of his resignation decision came.
Regarding the various discussions and criticism on social media on the issue, Ishraq Hossain wrote that he had seen some civil-society figures rejoicing on Facebook.
He expressed hope that if the need for a movement or struggle ever arises in the future, they will be inspired by nationalist ideals and return to the country from far abroad to take an active part in that movement.
He also gave the message that leaving office will not stop his work. He wrote clearly that from now on, not in any official capacity as a Member of Parliament or State Minister, but as an ordinary worker of the party, he will continue working against drugs with many times more enthusiasm and strength than before.
He also said the various cleanliness activities he has undertaken will be strengthened further.
He further mentioned in the post that he will be able to regularly tour various districts with the aim of further consolidating the organisational base and strength of the Projonmo Dal across the country.
At the very end of the Facebook post, reaffirming his firm position, he wrote in the tone of a slogan that the main goal is not becoming a minister, but eliminating drugs from society.
Ending the post with the declaration that 'this fight to eliminate drugs will continue', all eyes are now on his formal announcement at the National Press Club at 2pm and his conversation with journalists, where he is expected to speak in detail about the reasons for his resignation and his next plans.
